105
(
contention that the levy was in the nature of an monopoly,
of which a great deal was heard when the agitation against
the new regulations commenced, I have never sech my way to
endorse. Nor have I been able to discover on what Treat,
grounds- direct or indirect- I could effectively raise
objection to the laying down by the Chinese Authorities
of rules governing the handling of opium by their own
subjects. This is a point to which I have throughout drawn
particular attention in my reports to the Legation, and
the attitude is one not without the support of Pic Majesty's
Minister- vido his despatch to Sir Edward Grey No. 14 uf
January 10th. last. There accordingly only remained what
has since become the crucial point in the discussion
namoly the question as to whether China can or cannot inair.
ectly levy additional charges on forein opium in a Treaty
Port after the original packages are in the hands of the
retail purchaser and have been broken up.
Bearing in mind
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